LOSS-MAKING Ulster Bank has ditched plans to sell and lease back Belfast properties at Donegall Square and Danesfort.

It follows a number of offers to buy the properties at above market price, prompting the bank to reconsider the sales as a sign of a recovery in the market.

Bank sources said bosses believed the properties were now better being kept in its hands for a future sale windfall.

The two properties were put up for sale at a total asking price of almost £27.5 million, with the Donegall Square site with a sale tag of almost £20 million.